NFL picks and predictions, Saints vs. Panthers 2013: Experts favor Carolina in important matchup
The experts seem to be going with the Carolina Panthers over the New Orleans Saints for Week 16.
The Carolina Panthers are set to host the New Orleans Saints in a pivotal playoff race matchup in Week 16. New Orleans is 10-4 and in first place in the NFC South, and, most importantly, it holds the tiebreaker over Carolina. That's because the Saints won the first meeting at the Superdome in Week 14.
But the Saints are a different team on the road. All of their four losses have come on the road, and the Panthers have been solid at home. Carolina is 10-4 and a win will guarantee a spot in the playoffs, though the NFC South would still be up for grabs the following week.
Of SB Nation’s panel of six experts, four are going with the Panthers to win -- Ryan Van Bibber, Jason Chilton, Stephen White and David Fucillo. But two believe the Saints will overcome their road woes to win -- Joel Thorman and Matt Ufford.
Over at CBS Sports, there’s even more of a gap between the two teams. Of the eight experts picking, seven picked the Panthers to hold at home. That includes Pete Prisco, Jason La Canfora and Will Brinson. John Breech was the lone dissenter picking the Saints.
More from SB Nation NFL
